Vincent van Gogh's Letters

Etten, 4 April 1876

Dear Theo,
On the morning before I left Paris, I received a letter from a schoolmaster in Ramsgate. He proposed that I go there for a month (without salary). At the end of that time he will decide whether I am fit for the position. You can imagine how happy I am to have found something! I will have in any event board and lodging free.
Yesterday I went with Father to Brussels; we found Uncle Hein in a very sad state. On the train Father and I spoke much about pictures, including the Rembrandts at the Louvre and the portrait of "Burgomaster Six" and particularly about Michel.
Wouldn't there be a chance for Father to see that book about Michel? If the opportunity arises, don't forget it.
I am very happy to have the chance to see you before I leave, and Liesbeth too.
As you know, Ramsgate is a little town by the sea. I saw somewhere that there were 12,000 inhabitants, but I don't know any more about it.
And now till Saturday, a good journey to you. Always
Your loving brother, Vincent
Gladwell saw me off at the station last Friday night. On my birthday he came at half-past six in the morning and brought me a beautiful etching after Chauvel, an autumn landscape with a herd of sheep on a sandy road.